by Engr. Jeffrey Q. Geronimo

Mining remains an essential industry in the COVID-19 pandemic even though it has experienced devastating impacts. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, this pandemic disrupted 275 mining operations across 36 countries. Not only that, over $8.8 billion in total revenue is continually at risk. Therefore, the strategic importance of proper planning to ensure long-term mining viability cannot be underemphasized.

In response to this urgency, a flexible strategic mining solution was tested by a global leader in mining technologies. They evaluated 23 mining pits from various mining companies. In a span of just 15 hours, it produced a staggering 1,600 directional alternatives in their nested pits.

These alternatives were then narrowed down to three of the best pushback directions based on the company’s KPIs. The best option was then selected to be the most optimal and feasible design implementation to yield the maximum performance for the final mine pit over a long duration of time.

The result? An astonishing increase of 5% net present value (NPV) delivered to these mines even at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is all made possible by Dassault Systèmes GEOVIA’s new Strategic Mine Planning (SMP) solution. It allows mining operations to update their planning and modelling quickly by assessing all options available to ensure long-term viability.

“Planning plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of any mining operation, from the initial resource estimate to the project feasibility stage. Such planning also has to be inherently flexible, taking into account the viability of a resource, whether or not it is economically feasible to extract, how long this will take and the best sequencing of such extraction. What’s more, all of this has to be analyzed over the entire life of mine, which could be anything from 30 to 40 years or longer,” commented Andy Mulholland, the Business Consulting Director of GEOVIA who conducted the SMP solution.

Guiding Investment Decisions

Making assumptions in mining costs are greatly dependent on the mining method selected. Caving, for instance, is a very effective mass-mining method. However, choosing this is an upfront decision that locks you into this approach.

Alternatively, other underground and surface mining methods give the operator more control through the life of the mine. The mining direction can also be altered over the life of mine to track the ore body more accurately.

The new SMP solution is critical in guiding investment decisions during the exploration or feasibility stage. It can be used to update precious resource and reserve models. It makes it easier to understand what is viable to extract, in addition to the grade and value in the light of fluctuating commodity prices. This enables us to realize an updated life-of-mine estimate. From here, procurement decisions in terms of capital equipment can then be optimized.

“Hence, it is essential for mining companies to be able to run as many different scenarios as possible to generate multiple options for dealing with a range of contingencies. This underscores the true value of a mine in relation to its costs in real-time, to drive investment decisions in as smart and as proactive a manner as possible given the current volatile market conditions. The advantage of the SMP solution is that it does not merely generate a myriad of potential outcomes,” elaborates Mulholland.

Increasing Robustness and Improved Decision Making

Dassault Systèmes has the necessary up-to-date tools to be able to isolate options that are least sensitive to the variables under consideration for added robustness and improved decision-making. Say for instance, a plan with a slightly lower net present value for a mining operation may be far more robust and less susceptible to uncertainty.

When blended with pit design, a robust production plan must consider several strategic questions, such as the estimated life of mine, the mining rate and subsequent processing rate, the location of the dump piles, and the critical infrastructure required.

In this instance, Dassault Systèmes ran 9,680 sequences with different cut-off grades, prices and production capabilities and capex, generating a so-called ‘hill of value’ in under 24 hours.

“Hence, production becomes more manageable, stable and sustainable. An efficient mine with an optimal production plan guarantees surety of a mining project in the long term, whilst minimizing risk,” concludes Mulholland.

Through Paramina Earth Technologies, Inc., the premier mining software solutions provider in the Philippines, mining companies can now gain access to SMP in order to generate as many scenarios as needed.

Comprehensive training on how to fully utilize and maximize the potential of SMP may also be conducted by request. Contact paramina_solutions@paramina.com or www.paramina.com for more information.

STRATEGIC MINE PLANNING (SMP) FOR OPEN PIT, UNDERGROUND & CAVING SOLUTION CAPABILITIES:

• Aggregate input data, assumptions and constraints into a central location
• Leverage historical data to correctly define mining parameters
• Determine trends and correlations between historical data
• Incorporate mine status, geotechnical constraints and operational risk
• Couple the geotechnical domain with mine extraction to model interactions (e.g. cave back propagation to material flow to cave draw points)
• Run thousands of scenarios in a design of experiments to ensure the most robust plan is selected
• Project lifecycle governance with approval traceability and version management

REFERENCE: Dassault Systèmes. (2021). Strategic Mine Planning is Essential to Ensure Long-term Viability in Changing Times.

Photo: Semi-Mobile Sizer Stations leverage the flexibility of truck haulage with the efficiency of conveyor haulage.

Mining is an industry that requires investing wisely and looking at all available options when considering the setup of a new plant or attempting to reduce costs in a brownfield operation. Many considerations focus around the lifecycle of a mine; how much product is in the ground? How long will it take to extract? If it’s a short lifespan, is it a worthwhile investment? These issues all arise before equipment selection comes into play, but when answering these questions, it is vital to get right mine plan from the outset. Selecting the best mining methods and equipment in the first instance ensures a more efficient and profitable long-term future for the site. Traditionally a large proportion of mines used long haul truck and shovel systems, feeding fixed crushing plants. But in many cases, more cost-effective options are available. MMD’s Semi-Mobile Sizer Stations have the same functionality as fixed plants, but with additional advantages and lower setup costs.  

Semi-Mobile Sizer Stations for IPSC

Semi-Mobile Sizer Stations leverage the flexibility of truck haulage together with the efficiency of conveyor haulage. This provides an ideal solution for many mining scenarios where flexibility is vital, such as selective mining (blending), heavily faulted seams or irregular shaped ore bodies. Constructed in easy-to-assemble modules, Semi-Mobile Stations are relocated as the mine develops to minimise truck haulage distances, and take advantage of conveyor efficiencies. Semi-Mobile units can be relocated large distances in a matter of days using the MMD Atlas Transporter. By reducing truck haulage distances, operating costs decrease whilst also reducing carbon emissions.

There are also some less obvious environmental advantages to Semi-Mobile Sizers Stations. Due to the Sizer’s unique features of compact dimensions and high throughput rates, a Semi-Mobile Sizer Station is significantly smaller than fixed systems, leaving less of a carbon footprint. This applies to the amount of material used as well as the time and energy used during construction.

Peripheral structures such as a concrete bunker, or RE wall and heavy duty foundations required for fixed plants are commonly not required for Semi-Mobile Sizer Stations. Semi-Mobile Stations are supported on simple pontoon-type bases. The likes of a concrete wall and foundations comes with associated labour, materials, plant and fuel costs in both the initial construction and eventual deconstruction once the mine closes. State laws often require mine owners to return the site to its original condition (or as close as possible). These often-overlooked costs can run into tens of millions of dollars. Therefore, using Semi-Mobile or mobile equipment offers a huge benefit over the life-of-mine, as there is no requirement for walls, roads and services to be removed and earth landscaped. This extra work not only costs more money, but also places an extra, unnecessary burden on the environment.  

Over the last few years, we’ve seen increased interest in In-Pit Sizing and Conveying (IPSC) systems as mines seek ways to streamline operations and achieve emissions targets. Our history of delivering Semi-Mobile Sizing Stations into Southeast Asia dates back to 1993. And more recently, in 2015 we were commissioned to provide nine primary Sizing Stations to Hongsa Power based in Laos. 2018 saw the completion of three stations at EGAT’s Mae Moh mine in Northern Thailand, alongside a 400 tonne Atlas Transporter to facilitate quick and efficient relocation of the Sizer modules. With all three Semi-Mobiles operating to the satisfaction of the customer, this project is just part of the continuation of MMD’s involvement with the Mae Moh mine. We recently upgraded the mine’s Sizer Stations, previously installed in 2001, as well as providing a further Semi-Mobile Station and Transporter for the next phase of the mine’s expansion. This brings the total to eight MMD Semi-Mobiles currently operating at Mae Moh mine. In both cases, high throughputs and short relocation times make these Sizing Stations a key part of the mine’s future. MMD’s solution has lowered the operating cost of moving overburden.

With MMD Sizers becoming more and more proficient in hard rock applications, there is an ever-increasing number of materials in which Sizers have proven to be successful. To date, we process over 80 different minerals including the likes of copper, cobalt, nickel, iron ore and gold. But with ore grades declining, it is becoming increasingly important to maximise ore recovery in the most cost-effective manner possible.

What’s next for IPSC

Efficient transportation and processing of ore plays a pivotal role in a mine’s economic and environmental strategy. Bulk Ore Sorting is the process of separating valuable ore from waste, and is an area in which gains can be made.

By separating ore from waste earlier in the mining process, only valuable material is hauled from pit to plant. Besides the obvious savings in haulage costs, efficiencies are made through less energy and water usage in downstream equipment. Ore sensor technology is already widely used in processing plants, however, MMD’s Bulk Ore Sorting systems have revolutionised the separating of ore from waste by enabling the deployment of sensor-based sorting in the pit and close to the mine face. By utilising the latest material scanners, with near real-time ore sampling, mines can expect an ore grade uplift of up to 20%. This results in a potential for lower grade cut-offs and increased ore recovery.

Utilising an MMD Sizer over other forms of crusher delivers some clear advantages when it comes to ore sorting. Sizers can process any combination of wet, dry, sticky or hard material through the same machine, which is ideal for processing raw material directly from the mine face. The product size is controlled in all three dimensions, whilst keeping fines to a minimum. By creating a cubical product with very little dust, the reliability and accuracy of the ore sensing equipment improves dramatically. Furthermore, by being compact and lightweight, Sizers require very little supporting structure and offer unrivalled installation flexibility – making them the ideal choice for Semi-Mobile equipment dispatched close to the mine face.

MMD have three Bulk Ore Sorting systems currently in operation, working with a variety of materials from soft and sticky nickel ore, to copper ore, and hard platinum ore. MMD's ore sorting technology is scalable can be applied using a wide range of IPSC systems. Whether it be a Fully Mobile or Semi-Mobile installation, our systems are tailored to match the throughput, material, sensors, grades and relocation methods required by each individual application.

Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp. and the Provincial Government of Masbate through its Masbate Tourism Office, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) have forged a partnership to prime up two key development projects: organizing 10 cooperatives in the Municipality of Batuan and the full research and documentation of tourism sites of the whole Masbate province.

These projects are part of the Provincial Government's people-driven approach to development. 

The establishment of the ten cooperatives in Batuan came from a collective of the Agriculture Department's farmers’ organizations.

The farm-based micro-industries started creating basic goods and services through the enabling mechanisms of the CDA, and increased livelihood and employment opportunities for the people in Masbate.

Phil. Gold provided the cooperatives with office equipment such as laptops, projector with screen, steel cabinets and office desk. 

A series of training programs, development inputs and broader partnerships will be held among the key stakeholders in the province to help the cooperatives become self-sustainable.

The initiatives to create a tourist-appealing Masbate will include visual and auditory snippets of unique cultural narratives to make the province well-appreciated by vacationers.

Phil. Gold donated photography and videography equipment such as cameras with accessories, computers and a drone to fully document the tourism sites of Masbate. 

“I am very much thankful, and we really appreciate the efforts of Phil.  Gold to assist its host province to improve its services to the rest of the Masbatenos, not just their host communities,” says Provincial Administrator Rino Revalo, representing the Provincial Governor.

This private-public partnership between Phil.  Gold and the Provincial Government of Masbate aims to spur development in the countryside, and is expected to enhance locals' livelihood and increase business activity in the region.

Phil. Gold has created campaigns and educational programs that engage stakeholders by giving them a peek into Phil. Gold's operations, showing them how the company has provided jobs to the people in Aroroy, and has served as a catalyst for increased economic activities in Masbate.

Graduation and Distribution of Starter Toolkits and turn-over of Desktop Computers to Cantugas Cultural National High School

Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), has turned over 3 computer desktops and printers to Cantugas Cultural National High School during the Graduation and Distribution of Starter Toolkits at Cantugas Gym, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

The graduation ceremony was for the students of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), who completed the Animal Production (Poultry Chicken) NC II course.

The activity was attended by TESDA Caraga Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao, Supervising TESD Specialist Buenafe G. Enaya, and Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT) College Administrator Abegail B. Eupeña.

Municipal Mayor Crisanta O. Mondano and Mainit Sangguniang Bayan Members, Brigadier General George L. Banzon of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Ryan Callanta of the 30th Infantry Brigade, Dr. Ma. Teresa M. Real Superintendent of DepEd Surigao del Norte, and the Indigenous People (IPs) of Cantugas with their Brgy. Captain Hon. Perfecto G. Galvez also attended.

On behalf of Engr. Francisco J.  Arañes, Jr., Resident Mine Manager; Michelle V. Baliña, Surigao Liaison Office (SLO) Manager, represented HMC during the graduation and turnover ceremony.

The activity was conducted in line with the mantra “TESDA, Abot Lahat” of Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, Caraga Cares of RD Mapandi, President Rodrigo Duterte’s Legacy on Barangyanihan Caravan, and implementation of Executive Order (EO) 70 programs carried out through Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) chaired by TESDA.

EO 70 or the “Institutionalizing the Whole of Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace and Creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)” was signed last November 2018 to institutionalize 12 Lines of Effort to address the different aspects of the local communist armed conflict.

One of the 12 Lines under the NTF-ELCAC is the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) being led by TESDA. It aims to develop self-reliant, productive, resilient, and sustainable communities through harmonized and culturally responsive development programs, including Indigenous Peoples in far-flung areas of the country.

Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon of the 901st Infantry Brigade in Surigao del Norte expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the government agencies and private organizations that made the event possible.

“Thank you very much HMC for the support your company has provided. Everything needed was already provided by HMC, they did not only send desktop computers, they also included the Operating System (OS) of the computers and also 3 printers,” said Brig. Gen. Banzon.

He also reminded everyone about the importance of working together.

“In anything we do, a helping hand is always appreciated. Tasks can be accomplished faster if we have someone to work with. Like what happened today, we worked together with various government agencies and private companies. There is nothing we cannot do if we work together. Thank you again HMC for answering the call of those in need.”

TESDA Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao also expressed her gratitude to HMC.

“We are grateful for the support HMC has provided. Indeed, we can achieve anything as long as we work together for a common goal,” she said.

Froth Recovery Upgrade package

The flotation process can be divided into two stages: formation of the bubble-particle aggregates in the slurry and recovery of these aggregates in the froth. Historically, most attention – both from the theoretical and practical point of view – has been given to the first part of this process.

But due to a newly developed instrumentation package, optimising froth recovery rates is now set to deliver real dividends.

“It is probably no exaggeration to say that the potential from augmenting froth recovery rates – in terms of what more efficient control of the level, residence time in froth and pulling rates could deliver – was only recognized a few years ago by the industry,” commented Dr. Dariusz Lelinski, Global Product Manager for Flotation, FLSmidth.

“This is because it was assumed that there are no losses during transport from slurry to the launder. It was only a few years ago it was measured that the loses are typically 50% and can reach as high as 90% for coarse particles. What it means is that 50% (averaging over all sizes) of particles must be captured again after detachment in froth phase.”

“Our goal was to increase the probability of recovery of particles in the froth phase, especially coarse ones. There is no simple way to achieve it, because of it we came up with combination of instruments and devices flexible enough to achieve our goal in majority of flotation applications,” explains Lelinski.

Equally applicable to sites operating with either self-aerating WEMCO® flotation cells or externally aerated nextSTEP™ machine, the newly developed froth-recovery instrumentation package could be a game-changer in flotation recovery.

The solution comes from the recognition that the combination of exact slurry level measurement, accurate control of flow using redesigned dart valves and new Festo actuators (designed specifically for FLSmidth) allows for superior control of the froth phase. This in turn results in quicker reactions to flow and slurry density changes, which will dramatically improve performance of flotation machines.

The conventional way to influence froth recovery is a combination of changes to froth height (improved by new actuators and dart valves), froth crowding (in the middle of the cell without the possibility of adjustment after installation and not influencing the most active part of the froth surface), and number of radial launders.

“All these changes are still possible while using FLSmidth froth recovery package,” says Lelinski. “The most difficult part is froth recovery at the end of the row; there is not enough of hydrophobic particles to form stable, deep froth and a large percentage of these particles is left unrecovered.”

“Our package allows not only to recover these particles, but to control required balance between recovery and grade in this part of flotation circuit. So overall, you get better results, but it also gives you another degree of process control, not only during difficulties of froth formation, but during normal operation allowing to more flexibility in selecting grade-recovery relationship.”

Central to the froth recovery package are Adjustable Radial Froth Crowders (ARFC) that were recently developed in-house by FLSmidth. The ARFCs are mechanical devices enabling increase of either recovery or grade regardless of amount of froth formed at the top of the machine. They allow for much higher pulling rates (recovery) or much deeper froth (grade) which is currently hindered by top of the flotation machine geometry.

Froth cameras are a flotation instrument of central importance, as they allow precise monitoring of the froth phase. Our froth camera systems utilize a combination of Model Predictive Control (MPC), fuzzy logic, and the newest technology in froth vision systems to provide optimised set point selection in real-time.

This system combines Deep Neural Networks (DNN) technology and object detection with traditional froth measurements such as velocity and stability to create a cutting-edge system which will optimize each individual flotation cell with the most comprehensive information available.

Alongside these elements are improved and redesigned actuators, developed in cooperation with Festo, and a new and improved level sensor, which monitors both the slurry and froth positions with the MultiSense probe, provided in cooperation with HyControl.

The final piece of the package are redesigned dart valves (typically in a hinged dart valve configuration), which are the result of an in-house, value engineering project.

“We are excited to deliver this complete package to our customers. All the elements working together in combination with radial froth crowders, means this package will deliver better recovery at the same grade or increased grade at the same recovery, making this package better that the sum of all parts.”

DMT Consulting Limited, United Kingdom

Globalisation of economies and technological advancements as well as the increased level of communication between the investors and project owners around the world has intensified the race to bring many existing and mining projects into the market place. 

Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, the financing of the mining projects was less formal than today.  However, the financial crisis has made Lenders and Financial institutions more alert to the perceived risks especially for complex mining projects.

Since the Lenders are not technical experts in mineral extraction, they leave the technical aspects and technical evaluation of the projects to reputable consulting engineers in the field. 

However, anyone who may be interested in investing in a mining project should be aware of three fundamental questions (Arden & Lewis, 2014):

• Is the quantity and quality/grade of the raw commodity there in the ground?
• Can it be extractable?
• Is it worth extracting?

These questions seem to be very simple, but the underlying proof for the answers that will be sought in a bankable feasibility study by a large technical team made up of a number of engineers and technical experts in different disciplines, is painstakingly complex, expensive, long, and tedious and requires a level of expertise and accreditation that is not always available from the local market. 

Once all these questions are answered positively in principle, then the fundamentals of the project can be said to be in place.  When the project is proven to be technically and financially viable i.e. due diligence has been performed, it comes to the stage of financing/syndication.

It is possible that a number of lenders may decide to finance the project to reduce the risk exposure.  It is up to these lenders and the borrower to negotiate the best deal for the project amongst themselves.

Although a bankable feasibility study may determine the project details to an acceptable accuracy level and establish the fundamentals and foundations of the project, the uncertainties and risks associated in winning the raw commodity as well as any deviation from the expected results defined at feasibility stage can still be influential in determining the final outcome.

It is also a well-known fact that the selection of contractors and suppliers for the project construction phase will have a huge impact on the project’s fate. 

For these reasons alone, the Lenders will seek the assistance of the technical experts to ensure that the finance provided for the project will be utilised according to the protocol agreed with the Borrower.  This is to assure that the project will reach the production stage from the beginning to the end as agreed between the interested parties.

Therefore, it is common place for Lenders (Commercial as well as Development banks and other funding agencies) to require Independent Lenders Engineers (ILE) to oversee the execution of Technical, Environmental and Social aspects of a project in order to provide security of the loans to reduce the risk exposure.

Coal trading is a very competitive landscape. While end customers buy the quality of coal based on what is compatible with their boilers and furnaces, the traders need to be vigilant in sourcing and supplying right grades. Buyers impose price discounts if the coal’s calorific value and other key parameters fall short of expected values. To secure the contracted revenue and avoid any discounts, exporters typically tend to supply higher grades than necessary. This in turn eats into their profit and erodes margins.

Price penalties are also put in place if exports exceed the specific amount of moisture in the coal, since the moisture adds to transportation costs. Not to mention that since exports are typically global and long distance, breach of moisture limits can pose stability issues to the ships. In the worst-case scenario, such shipments at the port could even be rejected.

In this article we share the idea about how coal mining companies, traders, and end-customers can achieve a "happy buyer-happy seller" agreement.

Benefits

Coal Mining:

• Ash, ash composition, Sulphur, total moisture, and calorific value are critical information to decide value of the coal
• Avoid penalties by meeting the contractual specifications of the coal
• Bring down the production cost and improve yield
• Grade-wise stockpiling of the coal and
• Perfect blending in accordance with end customer specifications

Coal Plant:

• Incoming check of grades to verify specifications
• Verification of consistency or intrinsic deviation of the whole lot of material
• Optimization of coal yard management
• Blending of coal to target quality
• Optimize waste by safe use of low cost / low quality coal
• Bunker feed control in power plants
• Optimization of combustion parameters for boilers
• Assurance of optimal running conditions of boilers
• Minimize slagging and clinkerisation of ash in the boilers
• Reduced maintenance costs through minimal derating and boiler outages

About CNA Coal

CNA Coal has been designed for tough environments of mines, featuring the cutting-edge Sodern neutron technology with unmatched lifetime and stable neutron output (D-T PFTNA).

Coal is an important industrial mineral both as a fuel and feedstock. Coal quality can vary greatly depending on the source. Hence the usage and price are highly dependent on the composition. Whether located directly at a mine, a coal processing plant, a metallurgical plant, power plant or other usage point, the CNA can provide reliable real-time information on the coal composition, calorific value, ash content, volatile matter, and total moisture. The CNA with unique neutron generator technology enables measurement of a wide range of elements, including C and O.

Features/Benefits

• Get Real-time Analysis
• Proven On-Off electric neutron source
• Achieve High Intensity and performance on results
• Analyze all the elements of your interest, including C and O
• Enjoy Up-time and Savings with Long Term Availability of Neutron Source
• No need for frequent re-calibrations
• Automatic radiation protection system (ARPS) for unrivaled safety during operation and maintenance
• Fits wide ranging belt dimensions starting 600mm to 2200mm and beyond

Examples of Analysis in Coal

Moisture

Ash and GCV

Conclusion

CNA Coal provides a powerful online monitoring tool using the D-T Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA). This makes it the only tool to provide ultimate and proximate analysis of coal in real time. The CNA helps provide coal of specific ash, calorific value, moisture; not more, not less…. exact!

CNA real time analyzers with unique D-T PFTNA technique are also available for elemental analysis of other ores and minerals viz. nickel, iron, bauxite, copper and lime.

The journey of CBMM/Keepmining® started in the mining and quarry domain as a trader, and transitioned to a distributor with over 15 years of resounding customer success stories.

Our success lies in identifying specific customer irritants and pain points, and solving them through disruptive design and engineering with our crack team of accomplished industry veterans and technical experts.

CBMM/Keepmining® is a global MNC, based out of Singapore and provide mining solutions for OTR tyres, mining equipment(s), crushers, washing solutions, tailings management, conveying solutions, customised drilling solutions and customised IOT & automation solutions.

Crushing, Screening and Washing

In the Philippines, we are well positioned to help our customers through our wide range of solutions in the mining and quarrying domains through our partnership with Superior Industries USA. We provide crushing and screening plants, washing systems and conveying systems that are made in America.

Superior is a renowned brand for their expertise in crushing, screening and washing equipment like Liberty® jaw crushers, Patriot® cone crushers, Spirit® washing equipment. Their expertise attained through rigours research in the field of conveying, crushing, screening and washing helps us to be a technology leader in mining & quarry domains.

Superiors Alliance® washing system is unique in its design as it allows for the customer to feed dry sand into the washing system and get quality manufactured sand. This is done by using a scrubbing system followed by dewatering screen coupled with an optional cyclone to get the best quality sand output while using half the water consumption of traditional washing systems.

Superior offers industry leading warranty on their equipment and have proven many times that their customer excellence approach leads to success for all stakeholders.

Conveyors and Conveyor Accessories

Superior Industries is a leader in the conveying systems space with solutions like Telestacker®, Trailblazer®, Zipline Modular conveyors and Razertail®.

Their expertise in conveying solutions is long and tested over the decades since 1950. Their use of in-house engineering and self-manufactured components make them uniquely positioned to offer the best solutions for the mines and quarries of Philippines.

Superior solutions for Telestacker® telescopic conveyors are well known to be the best, and able to handle large capacities for stacking products as well as in heap leach stacking applications in relatively small conveyor footprint.

The same telescopic conveyors can be used by mines who are working with global clientele to load ships directly from conveyors or from trucks by pairing with a Razertail® truck unloader. Many of these conveying and truck unloading systems are portable and can be transported with quick turnaround times.

The quality and longevity of their conveyor components are well regarded globally and there are multiple clients who swear by their products for conveyors accessories. They have a wide range of rollers, conveyor pulleys, idlers, belt scrapers, impact beds etc. which are known to provide great value to the exacting mining user of Philippines who need the best value and reliability of their conveying components.

Tailings Management

A mineral processing plant in the modern mining scenario is usually incomplete without a tailings management and water treatment solution. This is keeping in mind the various environmental effects of the traditional tailings dams and the probable failure of the dams leading to catastrophe.

Keepmining® brings to Philippines Matec Italia, a global technology leader in the water management space for mines and quarries.

Matec provides complete dry tailings management solutions for any mine or quarry in order to help save time and operating costs for the end user. Matec thickeners and filter presses are available for any size of quarry or mine.

Matec “Cube” modular solution is ideal for small or mid-size mines. The modularity of the Cube allows Matec to deliver quality results with a reliable delivery period in capacities to suit the customer requirements.

The Cube is a modular solution containing a set of mini-thickeners, filter presses, flocculant dosing. The fresh water and dry tailings are collected in standard containers.

Apart from water management offering, Matec is the company behind the brand “Alfa Pompe” pumps made in Italy for mines and quarries.

A New Beginning

In 2021, Keepmining® started another leg of the journey towards becoming a single point solutions provider for mines and quarries around the world.

Keepmining® has invested in ADET as a wholly owned subsidiary based in India with a view to provide solutions to reduce unplanned downtime and inconsistent output.

ADET operates with the theme ONTIME – Always.  ADETs disruptive products and plant designs with unique 'know-why' approach, application specific Engineering, and Intelli-service, backed with industry leading warranties, help to achieve the promise of “On-Time Always', enabling higher stakeholder profits and ease of business.

Our motto is to provide simple solutions to complex user problems by using our cutting edge to get to the core of the issue.

ADET products and solutions cater to specific requirements in mining and aggregates industry. ADET has built solutions for coal crushing, sand washing and reliable crushing and screening solutions for customers looking for the best value and reliability.

ADETs in-house team has looked at the “know-why” of existing paradigms of equipment or solutions and worked to add modern techniques and understanding of manufacturing and design to bring in disruptive solutions to the market.

ADET believes in providing value through simplicity in design and ease of use. ADET implements the honeycomb structure in their designs to provide great strength to weight ratio. In addition, the focus on safety and maintenance provides improved cost of ownership to the user.

Our team of industry veterans, field service technicians, consultants and specialists ensure that our end users improve their productivity by providing the right solution that addresses the core of their problems.

Our understanding of the Philippines systems, people, culture and procedures complement our working methods and ensure that our customers in Philippines needs are addressed comprehensively, leaving no stone unturned and in turn leading to a long-lasting and mutually rewarding relationship.

The Weir Group has agreed to acquire Motion Metrics, a leading Canada-based global mining technology business, for an initial consideration of £89m1 payable in cash upon completion, subject to customary net debt and working capital adjustments.

Motion Metrics is the market leading developer of innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D rugged Machine Vision Technology used in mines worldwide.  Its technology helps miners increase safety, efficiency and sustainability of their operations.  As part of the agreement, Motion Metrics Vancouver headquarters will become Weir’s global centre for excellence in AI and Machine Vision technology.

Motion Metrics applications are highly complementary to Weir’s product portfolio.  It will join the ESCO division reflecting the early adoption of its technology in ground engaging tools (GET) where ESCO is an established global leader.  Motion Metrics AI and Machine Vision capabilities are expected to be leveraged across the whole mining value chain served by the Weir Group. 

Transaction highlights

• Strengthens Weir’s industry leadership in making mining more sustainable and efficient
• Significantly increases the Group’s capability in critical AI and Machine Vision Technologies
• Fully aligned to ESCO’s ambitious growth strategy through further digitisation of its portfolio 
• Enables rapid globalisation of Motion Metrics technology through Weir’s global network
• Highly complementary to Weir’s aftermarket-focused business model

In 2021, Motion Metrics generated revenues of £9m1 and was modestly profitable.  Initial integration efforts will focus on leveraging Weir’s global sales network and the ESCO division’s large installed base to rapidly expand adoption of this value enhancing technology by our mining customers thereby driving significant revenue growth.    Motion Metrics is expected to be accretive to ESCO’s margins by 2023 with returns expected to exceed the Group’s cost of capital by 2024 in line with Weir’s capital allocation policy.  Up to a further £59m1 will be payable in cash by Weir at the end of 2024, depending on revenue and profit performance.  The transaction will be funded through cash and existing banking facilities.  Over the next two years integration costs are expected to total £3m.

Jon Stanton, Weir Group CEO said:

“The combination of Weir and Motion Metrics will be extremely powerful and reflects our ambition to play a leading role in mining’s technology transformation.  Motion Metrics not only provides access to innovative and highly relevant technology that will accelerate growth in our ESCO division, but it also brings world-class expertise in AI, rugged 3D Machine Vision technology and data science that is applicable across the Group.  This acquisition is fully aligned with our strategy and our commitment to grow ahead of our markets, expand our margins and significantly reduce our customers’ environmental footprint.”   

A leading mining technology business specialising in AI and Machine Vision applications

Miners are increasingly focused on improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability of their operations.  Motion Metrics has developed proprietary products and solutions that supports these critical ambitions leveraging innovative Machine Vision, distributed AI and machine learning. 

Motion Metrics produces smart, rugged cameras that monitor and provide valuable and timely data on equipment performance, faults, payloads and rock fragmentation.  This data is then analysed using embedded and cloud-based machine learning to provide real-time feedback to the mining operation.  This enables immediate identification of potential issues that could impact safety and cause expensive unplanned downtime.  This includes boulder and foreign body detection to dislodged ground engaging tools that can critically damage crushing equipment if undetected.  It also provides information that can be used to optimise asset efficiency, supporting better decision making as miners seek to increase productivity while reducing energy consumption, particularly in areas such as comminution (crushing, screening and grinding), one of the most energy-intensive processes in mining.

These technologies were initially developed for GET applications but have recently been extended into a suite of products and solutions that can be applied from drill and blast through to primary processing.  Motion Metrics technology is currently used on more than 80 mine sites and its customers include some of the world’s largest mining companies.   Its revenues are generated from the initial sale of equipment and subsequent recurring aftermarket revenues including subscriptions to its cloud computing platform, services and spare parts; a model that is highly complementary to Weir’s aftermarket-based business model.

Motion Metrics was founded in 1999 by Dr. Shahram Tafazoli.  In addition to its headquarters in Vancouver, Canada, Motion Metrics has offices in Chile, Australia, Brazil, Russia and South Africa.  The business employs c.125 people focused largely on research and development, alongside sales and field support.  Dr. Tafazoli will continue to lead the business when it joins the Weir Group, overseeing the new Weir centre for excellence in AI and Machine Vision technology.  Weir’s existing Canadian operations employ c.600 people and include manufacturing facilities as well as sales and service centres. 

Motion Metrics Founder, Dr. Tafazoli said:

“Motion Metrics was established to harness the power of AI and Machine Vision to help the global mining industry make its essential transition to safer, more productive and sustainable operations. Having proven our technology and grown rapidly over recent years, the time is right for us to accelerate our development as part of the Weir Group, which brings access to every major mining region in the world, from pit to plant.  I am also excited to establish in Canada a global centre of excellence for AI and Machine Vision for mining applications, reflecting Canada's domain expertise in both mining and machine intelligence.”

Motion Metrics will become part of Weir’s ESCO division, with its extensive team of researchers, data scientists and engineers also supporting the increased digitisation of the broader Weir product portfolio. 

Accelerating ESCO’s growth strategy following its successful integration into the Group

ESCO was acquired in July 2018 and the business has been successfully integrated into the Weir Group over the past 3-years.  Cost synergies in excess of US$30m were realised ahead of schedule and the business is on track to surpass its acquisition margin targets.  Despite the impact of the COVID pandemic on market conditions over the past 18-months, returns on capital employed will exceed the Group’s cost of capital in 2021, in line with the Group’s capital allocation policy. 

Moving forward, ESCO’s focus is on accelerating growth through geographic expansion and the continued extension of its market leading front-of-shovel offering, creating new solutions to support customers’ safety, efficiency and sustainability goals. Motion Metrics is fully aligned to this strategy, including the early realisation of the digitally instrumented smart bucket concept which provides information on bucket and GET health alongside payload and ore fragmentation analysis. Combining ESCO’s deep knowledge of mining operations with the data-led insights from Motion Metrics’ AI capabilities will enable the business to create new solutions that integrate and extend the technological differentiation of its best-in-class offerings across the mine. 

Andrew Neilson, Division President of Weir ESCO commented:

“This is a perfect partnership.  Our customers want more digital solutions to help them improve safety, efficiency and sustainability and providing these is a key part of our growth strategy.  Motion Metrics brings patent-protected technology that reduces expensive downtime in GET applications, helping improve ESCO’s differentiated technology offering even further.  The additional capability in AI and Machine Vision will also accelerate our expansion into adjacent markets including developing smart eco-system offerings encompassing the load and haul operations of our customers.”

The acquisition is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Weir Minerals and Andritz have signed an agreement at MINExpo 2021 expanding their shared commitment and strategic cooperation to supply equipment for processing tailings in the mining industry. The foundations of this agreement have been built on a shared understanding and vision to enable the sustainable and efficient delivery of the natural resources essential to create a better future for the world.

Since 2018, Weir Minerals’ and Andritz’s partnership has seen them collaborate on joint tailings projects. This shared history as partners – a collaboration made stronger by the quality of individuals on both teams – has reinforced their abiding belief that together, both Weir Minerals and Andritz are stronger.

This shared success has led both Weir Minerals and Andritz to renew their on-going commitment and announce they’ll be expanding their offer to all regions around the globe.  

Utilising Andritz’s proven separation and dewatering technologies, Weir Minerals has strengthened its whole-of-mine capabilities, showcasing market-leading products from extraction to comminution, mill circuit and tailings management.

‘Weir Minerals has been providing tailings solutions for decades; we have dedicated research facilities – the Weir Technical Centre in Melbourne, Australia and the Sustainable Mining Centre in Venlo, Netherlands – that are challenging conventional ways of thinking about tailings, while also developing practical, innovative and sustainable solutions that will reduce operating costs and improve safety,’ Ricardo Garib, Weir Minerals Division President said.

‘Decreasing ore grades mean that mines are producing more tailings than ever before. One of the challenges with tailings management is that there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach; each mine requires a tailored solution that carefully considers the minerals being processed, as well as the site’s climatic and geological conditions. Weir Minerals prides itself on having both the expertise and equipment that allows us to partner with miners everywhere to plan and implement tailings solutions based on their operations’ unique challenges and this agreement with Andritz enhances those capabilities,’ he said.

‘Andritz has a long history working across a range of different industries. We are very proud of the work we’ve done with Weir Minerals; together, we’re excited about continuing to provide a joint offering of sustainable and value-added tailings solutions. Both companies bring a different expertise and know-how to the partnership; we complement one another and ultimately it’s our customers who’ll benefit,’ Steve Huff, President Andritz Separation said.

Tailings management forms an important element of Weir Minerals’ broader integrated solutions approach, which considers problems and challenges from all perspective and draws on a range of experts – process engineers, design engineers, product experts and materials scientists, among others – to identify potential challenges and opportunities and provide tailored solutions.

‘This latest agreement enhances our overall tailings offering and enables us to provide our customers with a complete tailings solution. Under the brand name IsoDry, we will continue to offer customers a range of mechanical separation technologies, such as thickeners, filter presses, centrifuges, and vacuum belt filters,’ Charlie Stone, Weir Minerals VP Sales and Business Development-Mill Circuit said.

Weir Minerals has strengthened its tailings team to support the market and ensure that it can provide innovative solutions based on each customer’s specific requirements.

The agreement provides the opportunity for potential future collaboration on technology, harnessing Andritz’s market-leading separation technology in conjunction with Weir Minerals’ minerals and tailings processing technology. Many of these products – Warman® pumps to transport fluid tailings, GEHO® pumps to handle paste, Cavex® hydrocyclones to dewater tailings and the Multiflo® range of dewatering solutions – have been integral to helping miners manage their waste for generations.

Weir Minerals and Andritz have also reiterated their shared commitment to sustainability; it is an essential part of both their business and corporate strategies. Both companies have outlined ambitious plans to reduce their carbon emissions, while their approach to ESG initiatives extends to all aspects of their organisations. 

‘Shareholders and stakeholders are rightfully demanding more sustainable mining practices and tailings management is an area where there’s a lot of scope for improvement. Weir Minerals wants to play a central role in changing how the industry thinks about and manages tailings. Ultimately, we believe that sustainable solutions are not only environmentally beneficial, but also reduce operating costs and minimise risk,’ David Almond, Weir Minerals Global Director, Product Management Process said. 

‘Weir strives to make our customers more sustainable and efficient; it’s core to our purpose and at the heart of what we do. We believe that embedding sustainability throughout our organisation protects and creates long-term value for our stakeholders and secures the long-term future of Weir. Our approach to tailings management is an extension of our broader corporate strategy. There is scope to make long-lasting, impactful change in how the mining sector thinks about and manages tailings and Weir is proud to be one of the industry leaders,’ Jon Stanton, Weir Group Chief Executive said. 

OceanaGold Corporation advises that Mr. Michael Holmes has resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company, as well as from the Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective September 8, 2021. The Board has engaged a leading executive search firm to commence a global search for the Company’s next President and CEO. In recognition of leadership continuity, the Board has appointed Mr. Scott Sullivan who has recently joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer, to act as the Acting President and CEO of the Company.

Mr. Ian Reid, Chairman of the Board said “On behalf of the Board, I wish to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Michael for his service to the Company. Michael has had a long and valued career with OceanaGold, having joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer in July 2012. As President and CEO, he demonstrated tremendous resilience and commitment to the Company despite the challenges of an operating environment disrupted by the onset of a global pandemic.” 

Mr. Reid continued to say, “Under Michael’s leadership, the Company delivered on key growth milestones including mine life extensions of the Macraes operation, advancement of the Waihi District projects and the Haile Underground. Most significantly, the renewal of the Didipio FTAA wouldn’t have been possible without Michael’s tenacious and focused leadership. The achievement of this strategic objective is expected to generate strong free cash flows for our shareholders while continuing our legacy as a responsible, multinational gold miner.”

Mr. Holmes said, “It has been a privilege to serve the Company over the past 9 years. I am proud to have led a team of passionate and dedicated mining professionals who are committed to responsible mining and best ESG practices while setting up the business to deliver long-term value for shareholders. Whilst it was a difficult decision to leave OceanaGold, I am very proud of what we have achieved and more importantly in the significant value embedded in the business. I wish everyone all the best.”

Mr. Scott Sullivan is a mining executive with over 30 years of broad-based industry experience spanning Australia, New Guinea, Africa and North America. More specifically, he has diversified experience in strategic planning of mining operations and smelters, project development and commissioning, mine optimisation, restructuring and expansion, sustainability and government relations. Prior to joining OceanaGold, Mr. Sullivan was CEO of Paladin Energy Ltd, and prior to that, General Manager of Newcrest’s Telfer Gold Mine, CEO of Attila Resources (now New Century Resources) and Managing Director of Minbos Resources. Mr. Sullivan is 2 also a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining with first class honours and a Master’s in Business Administration.

Mr. Paul Benson, who will succeed Mr. Reid as Chairman of the Board of the Company on October 1, expressed his appreciation for Mr. Holmes’ leadership, particularly through the challenges posed by COVID-19. He said, “I look forward to working with Scott Sullivan in the Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO roles. I have known Scott for over 30 years since we first worked together at the Renison Tin Mine in Tasmania. Scott is an exceptional mining engineer and has the skills and experience to drive OceanaGold’s operating performance to the next level. Our focus will continue to be on maximising the value of our existing operations while seeking new opportunities to drive profitable growth.”

The Company continues to make good progress with respect to the Didipio restart with current ramp-up schedule ahead of original estimates. The Company commenced the trucking of gold-copper concentrate as several shipments have arrived at the port and several more on the way. The Company continues the technical review and enhancements of the Haile Mine however, operational performance is tracking to achieve full year guidance. The New Zealand operations have recommenced full operations with ramp-up of the Martha Underground continuing.

​

On June 12, 2021, three DD210 drills arrived in Apex Mining Company Mine site in Maco, Davao de Oro. The three Drills were opportunity won first quarter this year, kudos to our Equipment Sales Engineer, Justin “Jap” Palino, for this big win of equipment sales.

The Units were welcomed by Apex Mining Site officials and Sandvik Service team present on site. On same day, units were unloaded from the container, travelled, and temporarily parked on Apex Mechanical workshop area where the unit commissioning activity will be done. Sandvik data collection device was installed on the units, ready to connect on Sandvik’s Digital solutions.

Apex Mining Company has already connected 4 of their existing units (2 LH307 and 2 TH320) to our My Sandvik Productivity and looking forward for these three units to have linked and generate operating reports on the dashboard.

Sandvik team prepared a traditional celebration called “Cañao”, a ritual were animals such as pigs are served for good harvest, progress, and safety. Three pigs were prepared and distributed in all Apex site departments. Also, a small feast was organized on our Sandvik site office, following minimum covid-19 safety protocols and guidelines.

​